Tommy Broughan (Dublin Bay North, Independent)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

492. To ask the Minister for Housing, Planning, and Local Government the additional revenue that would be required in 2019 if the budget for the housing adaptation grants for older persons and persons with a disability increased by 25% or by 50%; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20154/18]

Eoghan Murphy (Dublin Bay South, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I am conscious of the social benefit accruing from the Housing Adaptation Grants for Older People and People with a Disability, particularly in terms of facilitating the continued independent living by older people and people with a disability in their own homes.  This is recognised in the Programme for Government and as a consequence, funding for these schemes has been increasing year on year since 2014.  

In 2018, a total of €66.25m is available for these schemes. This is made up of €53m exchequer funding, which is an increase of 11% on the 2017 figure, with the balance of €13.25m coming from local authority resources. 

Increasing funding by 25% would cost an additional €13.25m to the Exchequer, with a further €3.3m to be contributed by the local authorities, while an increase of 50% would cost an additional €26.5m to the Exchequer, with a further €6.6m to be contributed by the local authorities.

Further consideration will be given to increasing funding over the coming years in the context of the range of housing supports and provision being made under the Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan for Housing and Homelessness.